This year, voting in the General Election doesn’t necessarily mean going to a polling place on Tuesday, November 3. In New York, many residents will send in an absentee ballot through the mail. The governor recently adjusted absentee guidelines to make the application process open to anyone with concerns about COVID-19. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday, October 27. The deadline is the same for Pennsylvanians looking to vote by mail. However, since the U.S. Post Office cannot guarantee timely delivery of ballots applied for less than 15 days before Election Day, it’s recommended that voters apply as early as possible. New York residents can apply online at www.absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov, or by contacting their local Board of Elections by phone, mail or email. Pennsylvania residents can apply online at www.votespa.com/applymailballot, or by sending an application to their local bureau of elections.

Sullivan County residents looking to avoid crowded polling places on November 3 can also vote early at the following times:

Saturday, Oct 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Oct 25: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Oct 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct 27: 2Noon to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct 29: 12 Noon to 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct 30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 31: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Nov 1: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sullivan County Government Center is located at 100 North St., Monticello, NY 12701. The Board of Elections is reachable at 845/807-0400 or scboe@sullivan.ny.us.